psychokinetic

Psychokinesis, often referred to as telekinesis, is the purported ability to influence physical systems or events without direct physical interaction. Proponents distinguish macro-PK, which involves moving or altering tangible objects at a human scale, from micro-PK, which is said to affect probabilities or random events at a statistical level. The term psychokinetic, used as an adjective, describes phenomena or claims related to this ability.

Historical and research context: Interest in PK arose in the early 20th century within the field of parapsychology. Experimental programs have sought to test PK using moving objects or controlling outcomes in randomized tasks. Notable efforts include the Rhine experiments and later the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) program, which ran trials with random number generators and other devices. The PEAR program reported small, statistically significant deviations from chance in some studies, but results were disputed on methodological and statistical grounds, and the lab closed in 2007.

Scientific status and explanations: Mainstream science does not accept PK as proven. Attempts to replicate results have largely failed, and observed effects are commonly attributed to statistical fluctuations, publication bias, or experimental flaws. In micro-PK studies, researchers emphasize potential non-psychic explanations, such as the ideomotor effect, where unconscious motor cues produce observable changes, and bias in experimental design or data analysis. Critics emphasize the need for rigorous preregistration, large, independent replications, and open data.

Influence and legacy: PK remains a staple of popular culture, fiction, and some branches of parapsychology, but it is not recognized as a validated scientific phenomenon by the majority of the scientific community. Discussions continue in academic and fringe contexts, with ongoing debates about methodology and interpretation.